California is full of places where family memories come naturally—sun-drenched coastlines, mountain escapes, and charming towns that welcome kids and grown-ups alike. Whether you're chasing waves in Southern California or wandering through apple orchards up north, there's something magical about discovering the Golden State together. These getaways gave us space to explore, unwind, and reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with the joy of travel.
Best California Vacation Ideas for Families
Soaking up desert sunshine at Miramonte Resort - 2 hours from Los Angeles
We arrived at Miramonte Resort & Spa with the kind of energy only a family road trip can bring—snacks everywhere, pool gear packed, and hopes for real relaxation. The resort sat tucked beneath the Santa Rosa Mountains, warm light spilling across palm trees and bougainvillea. There was something calm about the whole place, like it knew how to welcome families without trying too hard. I remember thinking, “We’re going to actually slow down here...and maybe even nap.”
What I Loved Most: Floating in the pool with the kids splashing nearby and mountains rising in the distance. For a minute, we were all quiet—together, sun-warmed, and totally content.
My highlights? Breakfast on the patio at The Grove Artisan Kitchen, where I had lemon-ricotta pancakes topped with berries and a lavender latte. The kids stuck with waffles and fresh juice, and everyone was happy. Morning light, easy laughter, and nowhere we had to be—it was everything a vacation breakfast should be.
Plan your family getaway:
- Location: Indian Wells, CA (near Palm Springs)
- Vibe: Tranquil, sunny, resort-style
- Best For: Families craving pool time and mountain views
- Must-Do: Spend a full afternoon poolside, book a spa moment if you can
- Dining: On-site at The Grove Artisan Kitchen
- Address: 45000 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210
Making Disney magic at Grand Legacy at the Park
The excitement was already bubbling before we even checked in. The Grand Legacy at the Park felt like the unofficial front porch of Disneyland—close enough to hear the fireworks, with just enough space to breathe when we needed a break. We dropped our bags, grabbed mouse ears, and headed for the parks with that unstoppable family energy. I remember thinking, “This is going to be one of those core memories we talk about for years.”
What I Loved Most: Ending the day on the rooftop at The Fifth, watching the Disneyland fireworks light up the sky while the kids munched churros and leaned sleepily against us.
My highlights? A late lunch at The Fifth Rooftop Restaurant—I had the grilled chicken sandwich with avocado and garlic aioli, and a side of truffle fries. The kids split burgers and fries, and we all clinked lemonade glasses over a view of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in the distance. It was magic without the lines.
Plan your family getaway:
- Location: Anaheim, CA (right across from Disneyland)
- Vibe: Fun, festive, family-forward
- Best For: Families heading to Disneyland or California Adventure
- Must-Do: Watch the fireworks from the rooftop, bring snacks for early mornings
- Dining: On-site at The Fifth Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
- Address: 1650 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
Feeling grounded under the Golden Gate at Cavallo Point
This trip was about breathing deeper, and Cavallo Point gave us the space to do just that. Tucked right beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, the setting felt cinematic—fog drifting over hills, sailboats cutting through the bay, and wide green lawns perfect for wandering or simply sitting still. Our room had a front porch with rocking chairs, and I remember thinking, “We could stay right here all day and that would be enough.”
What I Loved Most: Walking with my family along the waterfront trail at golden hour, the kids racing ahead, the bridge glowing in the background. Everything felt wide open and possible.
My highlights? Dinner at Murray Circle, where I had wild mushroom risotto topped with parmesan and microgreens. The kids tried their first bites of halibut and actually liked it, and we finished the meal with shared chocolate pot de crème. It was quiet, cozy, and completely unforgettable.
Plan your family getaway:
- Location: Sausalito, CA (just north of San Francisco)
- Vibe: Peaceful, nature-meets-history, elevated
- Best For: Families who love the outdoors and thoughtful downtime
- Must-Do: Explore nearby trails, rock in the porch chairs, watch fog roll in
- Dining: On-site at Murray Circle
- Address: 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, CA 94965
Finding fun and comfort at Claremont Club & Spa
Claremont Club & Spa felt like a place built for generations to relax in their own way. It had just the right mix of polished and playful—from the sweeping Bay views to the family-friendly pool deck that made our kids light up. We swam, we explored, and we lounged in a room with windows that opened to eucalyptus-scented air. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place where family time unfolds without effort.”
What I Loved Most: Morning coffee on the terrace while the city stretched out below and the kids played on the lawn nearby. Everyone had room to be themselves.
My highlights? Brunch at Limewood Bar & Restaurant, where I had avocado toast with poached eggs and pickled shallots, plus the fluffiest buttermilk pancakes the kids insisted I try. Every bite came with a view of the Bay—and somehow, no rush at all.
Plan your family getaway:
- Location: Berkeley, CA
- Vibe: Classic, hillside, family-luxury
- Best For: Families who want both kid-friendly fun and spa-worthy calm
- Must-Do: Swim with a view, book a treatment, explore nearby Berkeley trails
- Dining: On-site at Limewood Bar & Restaurant
- Address: 41 Tunnel Rd, Berkeley, CA 94705
Finding calm in the city at Hilton Checkers LA
Los Angeles doesn’t often feel quiet, but somehow, Hilton Checkers gave us a little pocket of calm in the middle of it all. We checked in just as the city lights started to flicker on, and from the rooftop deck, we could see downtown stretch out in every direction. It felt grown-up but welcoming—just the right balance for traveling as a family. I remember thinking, “We’re in the heart of it, but we still have room to breathe.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the kids stare out the window at the nighttime skyline—totally mesmerized—while we unpacked and settled into our elegant (but not too serious) room.
My highlights? Dinner at Checkers Downtown on the hotel’s lower level. I had the grilled salmon with lemon caper sauce and crispy fingerlings, while the kids shared a flatbread and split a warm brownie sundae. It felt like a little city celebration—low-key and just right after a day exploring the Natural History Museum and The Broad.
Plan your family getaway:
- Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Vibe: Sleek, convenient, quietly sophisticated
- Best For: Families exploring downtown L.A. with older kids
- Must-Do: Head to the rooftop for night views, walk to nearby museums
- Dining: On-site at Checkers Downtown
- Address: 535 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Unplugging and picking apples at The Philo Apple Farm
The Philo Apple Farm felt like a deep breath I didn’t know we needed. Nestled among Mendocino’s rolling hills, the whole property radiated simplicity—orchards, gardens, hammocks, and a rhythm that matched the wind. No TVs, no clocks, just wide open time. The kids ran between apple trees and played hide-and-seek behind chicken coops while we made tea on the porch. I remember thinking, “This is what family time used to look like—and still can.”
What I Loved Most: Waking up to the sound of birds and the smell of woodsmoke, then walking down a gravel path for homemade jam and farm-fresh eggs.
My highlights? Dinner at the farm’s communal table, where we had applewood-roasted chicken, heirloom tomatoes with basil, and warm apple crisp for dessert. The kids passed baskets of bread like it was second nature. No phones, just stories and laughter under string lights.
Plan your family getaway:
- Location: Philo, CA (Anderson Valley)
- Vibe: Rustic, unplugged, deeply peaceful
- Best For: Families looking to disconnect and reconnect with nature
- Must-Do: Pick apples, explore the garden, enjoy slow mornings
- Dining: Farm-to-table meals served on-site
- Address: 18501 Greenwood Rd, Philo, CA 95466
Family Moments to Hold Onto
Every one of these California escapes brought a new rhythm to our days—slower mornings, shared meals, laughter under string lights, and space to just be. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a weeklong adventure, these destinations offer more than a place to stay—they offer connection. The kind that stays with you long after the bags are unpacked.
More to Explore
Jump to a Spot...
- • Soaking up desert sunshine at Miramonte Resort - 2 hours from Los Angeles
- • Making Disney magic at Grand Legacy at the Park
- • Feeling grounded under the Golden Gate at Cavallo Point
- • Finding fun and comfort at Claremont Club & Spa
- • Finding calm in the city at Hilton Checkers LA
- • Unplugging and picking apples at The Philo Apple Farm